Our time together was truly serene. The couple stated early in the day they didn’t take each other “too seriously” and “just enjoy laughing and spending time together.” Those attributes were clearly apparent in their shoot. They were both completely at ease without a care in the world.
Generally, there’s some hesitation getting starting at most photo shoots, as it’s sometimes an awkward feeling knowing you are being photographed — but, to Jen & Frayne, I was just there like part of the scenery — fortunate enough to witness the love they share and their carefree devotion to one another . The best way I could describe their love : purely effortless.

Hiking up the over 6,000 feet elevation of Black Balsam Knob, we really weren’t sure what the evening would hold. The clouds in the distance were clearly storm clouds, yet the sun was peering through the darkness as well. It was without question the most variety I’ve ever received from the sky in a session and the sunset….oh, the sunset. Well, just see for yourself.

Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment. ~ Horace

Katie and Ben were married a few short weeks ago, and were eagerly looking forward to a jaunt across Europe on their honeymoon. While their wedding had been steeped in tradition, they opted to take a step out of the ordinary and embark on a high altitude Adventure Session prior to boarding the plane to the ancestral lands of their forefathers.

The three of us left the humid 80+ degree temperatures of the city and traveled to Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Amid the winding roadways and deep forests, the weather took an abrupt change as the heat dissipated and wind chill plummeted to the 40s.

Our first destination was Looking Glass Falls, where even in the summer, the water feels icy cold and the spray from the 60-foot falls quickly numb your fingers and toes — especially if you’re adorned in a wedding gown. From there, we traveled to Black Balsam Knob with its 70-mile vistas.

Amazingly enough, the trees begin to disappear the higher you climb. And when you reach the 6,200 feet, the Knob envelopes you in an alpine atmosphere akin to that found in Europe. It was a spectacular view, only made better by the loving couple standing on the summit.

As we left this enchanted area, we talked about the upcoming honeymoon and the places the couple wished to visit. With Katie’s mother’s ancestors from Italy and her father’s from Croatia, she said it had always been her dream to visit those faraway lands. And with an endearing smile, she looked at her husband and said, “Ben made my dream come true.”

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. — Kahlil Gibran